Question

What's a good test number for diabetes?

Amy's Answer

The American Diabetes Association recommends fasting and pre-meal blood sugars to be 70-130 mg/dl and 2 hours after the start of the meal < 180 mg/ dl, with an average 3 month blood sugar (hemoglobin A1c) < 7.0.

Tight control is not for everyone, so negotiate with your health care provider as to what your target blood sugars should be.

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Amy's Most Recent Questions

• I have a solo meter which has quit working. I also have a one touch ultra mini but no strips. How can I return the solo and get strips for the one touch?
• I need some strips for my meter :EMBACE that you send me before.
• Why am I no longer able to grt my supplies for my mter>
• I was stricken with some 7+ years ago with no sign of diabetes. Now just two weeks ago I was given the great news I had diabetes and would be be on insulin to try to get it under control. Well I think I got it there when something else crops up. That why I am hoping you can help me. I am dictating the letter because I am having difficulty seeing. It's as if someone put a piece of waxed paper in front of my eyes then moved it back and forth smearing the objects in front of me. What should I do:? Took my blood sugar - 223 and admin. 5 units of insulin. All is still the same.. Any suggestions?????
• I was looking for the strips and could not find my it is called contour
• I need my strips they are called contour I could not find them any where
• In there any way to up load my solo meter to Diabetes Care Club Account from my computer Thanks
• can diabetes have lima bean green beans, speckle lima beans?
• where do you order your supplies online
• Hi, My name is Scott King, I'a, a type 1 diabetic and have been since I was 30 years old. I would like to know about you products for type 1 diabetics, I have insurance through my work (CVPH Hospital in Plattsburgh, New York) right now I'am watching and counting carbs, I'm slowely getting it but still a lot to know. I go to Burlington for my diabeties, I have a doctor over there and they are very nice. My doctor's name John Leyha - he's the endorconalogist over there. I picked him as my doctor because this is his field. Thank you for your time on this matter..... Scott fsking@hughes.net
• How do I track a shipment?
• Are target test strips accurate compared to other brands? They are cheaper than my insurance.
• how much does medicare cover and much is my share, i'm currently with arriva medical
• i do not have teeth so it is hard for me to eat a lot of salad , ido not like yogurt tomatoes cottage cheeseor seafoo i will haddock , so can you still help me
• How to order supplies on line
• Hello Amy, My name is Rudy, I just signed up with Diabetes Care Club.Com as a New Member. I was wondering if you could tell me what my blood readings should be in the mornings when I get up before I eat breakfast and again after breakfast? I heard you are supposed to check once in the morning before your first meal and again, Im not sure but I heard, 2hours after your first meal(breakfast) Is what I heard accurate or not? Again, My main question is: WHAT IS MY READING SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE MORNING BEFORE MY BREAKFAST? I AM A 51 YR. OLD MALE..... Thank You in Advance for all your help Amy, I appreciate it very much.
• i want to know how much is the embrace meter is
• I need test strips for my Embrace Meter
• What can I do to help my feet from hurting all the time. They go numb and be stinging all the time
• What can I do about my feet from hurting, like stinging and going numb. I can not sleep at night because of it
• HOW DO I REORDER SUPPLIES
• Does DCC sell Lantus?
• Is an 8 oz glass of V-8 juice and 1 cup of high fiber cereal or 1/2 cup of oat meal an acceptable breakfast?
• Hi Amy, I was recently diagnosed with diabetes-type two. I am a 65 year old male 6'0" and about 218 lbs. I am interested in losing weight and generally changing my lifestyle. I do and have exercised 3-5 times per week for about 45 minutes. I ride a stationary bike and use the machines at the gym I belong to. I would consider myself a "carboholic" but have not had white bread, crackers or potatoes for over 2 weeks and have no difficulty avoiding them. I did like a bowl (about 1 cup) of ice cream most evenings but have only had 1/2 cup of sugar free ice cream once per week in the last two weeks. I enjoy a cocktail or two three or four times per week and basically my initial question would be am I moving in the right direction and am I able to eat and/or drink some of the things I just mentioned. I have a lot more learning to do and would love to have a "coach" during the process. Tha nk you for your help. Sincerely, Ray Darling
• Need refill on embrace test strips 2 of the 50 cnt.
• Hello. My 9yr. Old was just diagnosed with type1. While trying to adjust to our new lifestyle, I'm looking for anything to make it easier on her. My older daughter keeps telling me about a product she saw on tv that tests glucose without the constant pricking. Does such a product exist? Thank you for any information you can provide. Bmonroe
• I have been diagnoised with type2 diabetes but everyt- time I check my blood sugar levels it is between 129-158. Is this normal?
• I would like to know if there is a meater that talks to you
• Hello Amy, I have presently been diagnosed with Insulin resistance. for treatment on this I am on a sliding scale AC & HS and Noviilin N 35 units twice a day and increased by 5 units every week until the level comes down to 150. Is this the correct treatment or is there an alternative methos?
• Hello Keith, I have called my physician's office and inquired as to whether or not this company faxed them a form for the doctor to officiate my diabetic needs. The ofice has responded that they did NOT get the fax , can you follow this up or can you refer me to an agent that could follow up again.. I am William Magness and my physician's information is in the profile on this site. Thank you, and I will await your reply
• how much sugar intake a day should we have
• Would like to understand the glucose reading when testing my blood sugar level.My last reading was 96.
• Would like to understand the readings when testing glucose readings.My last reading was 96.
• I need a pain free and easy glucose meter as I care for a difficult schizophrenic. Any suggestions? Thanks, Lynn Emrick.
• My mother is a long term diabetic with low vision. While many companies indicate their glucose meters are suitable for low vision people, with such features as a larger display screen and voice annoucements, the true issue is how does a diabetic with low vision place the small droplet of blood needed for testing? Magnifiers have helped, but my mother could go through 10-20 strips before she hits the mark. Any suggestions?
• Hi Amy, I am a part-time parish nurse in the Antioch Priest Lake Community. Our church is hosting a community event for Diabetes Alert Day in the Antioch Priest Lake area on March 24, 2012 at 1:30pm. Jeri Brown recommended I contact you to see if you were interested to be our expert guest speaker. I have lots of questions and wish you would contact me back at: helpinghandsplcbc@yahoo.com. Thank you! Karen Upton, RN
• Hi Amy, my husband was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in November 2011. He was sick for a year before this and so exhausted he is unable to work and literally sleeps about 20 hours a day. He has absolutely no energy to do anything. He's been tested for all sorts of things, with no results. He is on one metformin pill daily. I've noticed he gets extremely fatigued after meals and groggy and cannot stay awake and sometimes gets severe headaches. So I also now give him a 2nd pill with dinner, which helps slightly. He is not working and has no insurance. He's not old enough for medicare. Are there any resources out there for him?
• CANYOU SELL IN ohio?
• HI AMY, MY NAME IS GLENN..... ME & A GROUP OF MY FRIENDS ALL WANTED TO CHECK THEIR BLOOD ON MY METER......HOW DO I RESET IT BACK TO 0...... PLEASE HELP ????
• Since I have type 2 diabetes will it ever turn to type 1? I hope not but I am just asking.
• Hi Amy; I was first diagnosed with diabetes in August of last year,mine is what's called a steroid induced diabetes,the steroids were prescribed for another illness.For months i had everything under control,As of a month ago,my numbers have been skyrocketing after every meal,even one sandwich for lunch sends my numbers up.for example today i had one small bowl of oatmeal,and my reading went from 69 to 159 in the matter of minutes,and i can actually feel the rush in my body,to include headaches.Please if you have any reasons as to what may be causing the sudden change,i would greatly appreciate your input.....Leroy
• Amy...I am 76 years old, Diabetic & suffer with feet & leg pains...I have restless leg syndrome I lots of back problems...I'm on strong meds & it just scares me...please help me...thank you, Millie....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
• I am currently on medicaid in Washington State, am I eligible for the program?
• When I was in the hospital, they tested my blood glucos in the morning and evening. My doctor wants it tested in the morning and two hours after I eat. What is the difference of testing times?
• My blood is 140 to 160 my Dr. gave me ACTOS .I'm afraid to take it with all the hipe about bladder cancer. I'm working on my diet without the ACTOS.Blood used to be 180 to 210. It's hard to watch my diet because this is all new to me. What to eat and what not to eat. Any help would be great Thanks, George P.s. This morning it was134.
• My question is 228 high
• ive been tryin to get a one touch ultrasmart meter right now i have no insurance and very little money my doc tried but i found out that the card she gave me was out of date so can u help me
• I am going to be 65 next March and will going on Medicare. I've been on a deltec pump for about 8 yrs. It has a built in glucometer that uses free style test strips. How do I go about getting coverage for pump supplies, (3ml cart's, infusion sets, and Humalog insulin). I test my bg 5-6 times day. One pump cartridge lasts 3 days. One vial of Humalog last about 9 days.
• hi amy i have diabetes i feel tired,nauseous and when i have intercourse sometimes its uncomfortable and my abdomen be painful is that normal
• Few days ago, I noticed a slight staggering in my steps, more dizziness and drowsiness. Seemed more light-headed especially when I take my medications. Could this be caused from the medications or is it the diabetes? The conditions that exists in ones body with diabetes is undescribable at times and sometimes a doctor may feel disgusted of ones' complain. If I skip a day or two of my medications, when test my sugar it's in the range of:- 115mg/dl-123mg/dl, very rare it would exceed 135-145mg/dl but when I take it regularly, I noticed in testing my sugar, it is higher than normal, like a 145,156,176mg/dl. My doctor thinks that when I do not take my medication I am more careful in what I eat and this is why the results are like that. If so be the case, then if I eat right, take excercise and do all I have to do right, do I have to take all these medications? My sugar test today was, morning 130mg/dl and 120mg/dl. A couple of days it's like, 111, 115, 117, 120, 122-126mg/dl. I do believe it is better control when not taking medication. What do you think is the cause of this? Well, I should say first, nice meeting you and I hope we will work together in assisting me in perfect control of diabetes. Seems you are doing a great job, good luck and keep it up. Have a wonderful holiday! God bless you1
• weight & height is correct. my blood sugars: Dec 10th 174 am after supper 155 Dec 11th 147 am after supper 134 Dec 12th 154 am after supper 160 Dec 13th 147 am after supper 128 Raymond Eller
• Hi, my name is Raymond. have had type 2 for 15 yrs. on two metiform pills, one in morning & other at night. High readings in morning. trying to balance food, 70 carbs a meal. I am 5'7" and weigh around 128 lbs. trying to gain alittle weight, How do I do that and still control blood sugar? Thank you for any suggestions.
• Dear Amy, I saw your Glucose meter ad on TV-They claim that you don't need to prick your finger to get a Glucose reading, and I would like to know how it is done?- Best regards, Leo
• what is a display name, so I can join the diabetes club?
• why do my blood sugar drop so much sometimes when i just have diabetes 2 is it going to diabetes 1 or is it my meds are to high because my blood sugar drop twice now
• My 55 yr old friend who takes insolin 5 times a day, is now having no feeling in the bottom of his feet, im scared this is the begining stages of him losing his legs. how can we get those feelings back?
• I was diagnosed with diabetes a few weeks ago. I have not had an appointment with an Endocronoligist yet. My literature says if the gluscose level fallls below 70, the take something sweet very fast. For the past three days at different times my level has fallen below 70, 56, 61, 66 and I have the 'shakes'.. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED
• Hi Amy, Can Diabetes cause double vision,dizziness and sweating at the same time? Best regards, Leo
• Sometimes my feet will burn a little bit. What causes this and what does it mean?
• Amy I was told by a Registered Dietitian that oat-meal wasn't good for me but my Doctor told me that I could have it is this true can i have it ..
• I have a 6 and 10 year old with type 1. I check them at least 8 times daily to try and control their diabetes. I recently had their A1C's done and they were 8.8 and 9.5 which is horrible. DO you have any advice that would help me better control their diabetes.
• my name is loretta mills and im looking for a glucose machine that i dont have to prick my finger.. can u tell me where i can find such a thing please..?my email is lormills@hotmail.ca,,,,,,,, my phone number is 604-568-4222,,, i live in north burnaby .. . british columbia..iv heardof it but i have know idea where to buy it tyvm please respond as soon as u can tyvm
• if my sugar is high should i drink lots of water in since i have a cold can it mess with my sugar
• Hi Amy- I don't really have any questions right now but I wanted to say thank you for all of your help! I really appreciate knowing you are here for when I do have a question. Thank you.
• Can u les ur hair to diabetec
• Diabetes for me is a life sentence. Diagnosed at age 10, and I am now 50. 60,000 shots later, the doctor who diagnosed me was right, He said "you may not be a religious man, but you will be a holey man".....I thought he meant Holy at the time. I am financially challenged and have been putting on too much weight these last few years. What type of food can you suggest I eat on an empty wallet budget?
• what is the optimum reading when i check before meals??
• Amy, which is better rye or sourdough bread?
• I am on a fixed income and I have no insurance. I would like to get one of the meters advertised on tv, how much is it? Getting supplies are hard to get. Having Diabetes seems to be only if you have the money for all the things you need plus the good food to eat, it's so costly to be a diabetic. I'm type 2. It's almost what's the point to be concerned about having diabetes, you can't afford to stay on a rigid food program because the food is so costly, at least for what a diabetic needs that is.
• Hello Amy! Why are my blood sugar readings higher in the morning, than my bedtime readings? I went for a walk after supper and always thought it should be lower after not eating for 8 hrs. Thank you for your time. Donna dmfitzp1609@gmail.com
• HI Amy my name is Sharon my diabetes is always over 300 and when it goes below 300 i feel ill i have to eat to feel better THANK YOU SHARON
• hi amy this is kevin i have type 2 and my toe nails are falling off i also have bad neropathy in both legs and mitocondreal disorder should that be happening to my toe nails?
• Amy i have a question for i am a type 2 have i want to do no if i had to be on a special diet because they just put me insuli 3 time a day
• Hi Amy, My granddaughter who is 5 yrs old was diagnosed with Diabetes 1 last August. Her insurance doesn't pay for her insulin so we have to give her money for her prescriptions. My husband & myself our on Medicare can we claim it through medicare beings we pay for it. Also, how could I get her a free meter that she doesn't have to prick her finger all the time. Seems like she really hates that. Could she use the new talking meter? She also needs help on her diet as my daughter feeds her too much processed & fast food. HELP!! Thanks MAC
• where is the best area to inject insulin and if it is the belly will fat cause problems ..
• I have both Hyper & Hypo glycemia. I have high sugar levels from 400 - 680, & lower levels from 35 - 300. I have Heart Disease and suffer from water retention. Why is it that when sugar levels are high I urinate every 10 minutes. When they are normal or low, I go 3 - 4 times a day? I asked my educator this question and the only answer I got was, "that's just the disease"! Can you help answer this in more detail for me? Thanks... Ginny ((^_^))
• Hi Amy! I am a mother of a diabetic child. He is 6 years old and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in March 2011. He is on Medicaid in georgia. Does he qualify for the free meter? If not how else can I obtain a meter?
• I have Type 2 diabetes. I have mostly low sugar, and get frequent sugar drops. I have gained weight but when I try to diet, I start feeling sluggish. I eat snacks to keep my sugar from dropping. What type of diet would be best?
• I was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago, the thing is my doctor sent me on my way with blood testing materials and no diet, I need some advise on doing it I do not understand what to do, should I get a better doctor or learn how to check my blood and diet?
• Cereal causes a very significant increase in my glucose. Oatmeal impacts my glucose even more than cereal does. For that reason I started making eggs with cheese and a breakfast meat my primary selection for breakfast. However, my LDL cholesterol number was tested at 114 last month. In order to try to reduce my LDL, I have put cereal (Fiber One) back on my breakfast menu. Now, I also know exercise causes a significant drop in my glucose. So, my question is this: If I exercise during the 1.5 hour interval between breakfast and my post-meal test, does the glucose drop from exercise offset the glucose increase caused by the cereal in the overall scope of things? Or, is the cereal increase still going to negatively impact my A1c regardless? I generally wait until after my breakfast post-meal test to start exercise just to allow ample time for breakfast to digest, but if countering the glucose rise with the exercise drop is more beneficial then I will start doing my daily exercises right after eating breakfast. Thank you for the help.
• Hi Amy, I'm Sedney from the Philippines. I'm also a certified diabetes educator here in my country and i have family members who are diabetics as well. I am just one of the group of diabetes educators here formed and organized by my company to help patients' here to increase their disease awarenes particularly on diabetes. I want to ask you on some techniques and strategies in handling patients' with type 2 diabetes; first, how you teach them on how to do self-management when in comes to control their blood sugar level; second, most of the patients here have sterotypes that when their already on insulin therapy their diabetes in getting worse and; third, how teach patients on proper diet management (for diabetcs) without them letting feel of being deprived much on the food they always desired to eat? These questions I have are not only applicable for my lay education lectures in the diabetes clubs we organized but also for my family members who are diabetics. I am looking forward to here from you soon and I'm glad that I have known your website. I find it very useful and socially relevant. Thank you, Sedney =)
• Hi. I have a question regarding new blood sugar measurement machines. I will be so thankful if you guide me. Is it still necessary to use fingers blood to measure blood sugar? Can you please introduce me new technologies? Thanks
• Hi Amy, I'm writing about my husband. He has had type 2 diabetes for about 10 years now. About 2 months ago, his lower legs started hurting. This pain was constant, day&night. He went to his doctor, who ran tests & siad it was Nueropathy & a Disease called Charcot Marie Tooth. He has been on Gabapenti & Vicodin. The pain changed from his lower legs to his thighs, but it is still constant & unbearable for him. They are switching him over to Lyrica today. Will it help in controlling his pain more. Also, his sugar levels have dropped alot since being on the meds. Is this possilbe from the meds ?
• Hello Amy: How concerned should I be for blood sugar spikes of 500? And, what should I do? Clarese.
• If someone has medicaid, do they end up with any co pay
• Hi Amy. I have had DM-2 for 11 years. My question is about microalbuminuria.....i adore cheese but when i eat too much protein my urinalysis reveals microalbuminuria. I have basically deleted chicken and beef from my diet - but I love cheese too much to give it up. How much protein can I consume daily and still stay with the normal range on a urinalysis test? Thank you for your help. Emalee
• I'm a 62 year old male with type 2 diabetes. My diet is bad mainly because I work 5pm until 5am and sleep all day. It's virtually imposible to eat 4 or 5 small meals with that schedule. I work out 3 times a week but my A1c will not go under 7.2. Any sugestions? John
• can I eat whole wheat thins-baked snack crackers?
• IF DIABATIC PATIENT SUGAR LEVEL DROPS 70 MG/DL BELOW AFTER TAKING INSULIN ,HOW MUCH QUANTITY OF SNACK H SHOULD HE MUST TAKE?
• How long after I finish dinner should I wait to test?
• I use a nonolog 'flex pen to give shots with to my roomate. It has a ink pen like appearance and wondered if it can be carried in my shirt pocket all day without affecting the insulin. Refrigerate, or Not to refrigerate That is my question.
• Hi Amy! I have Reactive Hypoglcemia and I am a little leery of exercise because of getting low or because my glucose can drop so rapid. What is a good amount of exercise and does it really help due to the fact they say it lowers sugar and causes a person to create more insulin? They say that after you exercise as well that your sugar gets lower. I have to watch carbs anyway and this is a little discouraging due to the fact that when energy comes, it gets used up fast! I am also not really overweight. Any suggestions or ideas? Thanks:)
• what causes puss pockets in the mouth & how is it treated?
• Could you please tell me how much insulin it takes to cover carbs?
• I am 80 years old and was diagnosed in early 2000. I manaed with diet for a while but have been on insulin for 6 years. Lately my sugar levels have started to increase and i can't pin point anything different to cause it. I have been told bananas and grapes could be the culprits. Can you offer any thoughts?
• Hi, I am interested in my eating habits. Since I have started the portion eating, I am full after about five spoonfuls of my meal, is that normal?
• hi, my name is Cherrie, I went to a pain center last week, the MD suggested I take a steroid injection, kenalog for pain control. she also stated it wll raise my blood sugar but could say how high. I told her I would consider it, your opinion please. chlcufe@aol.com
• I take 100unit's of insulin twice a day.I am having a problem losing weight.It seam's like I have reached a plateau. What can I do? Thank's Herk1959.
• I was recently diagnosed with divertic??? I can't remember the spelling. I'm trying to find recipes & foods to eat & not to eat. Is there any of your recipes that you can suggest to help me?
• I have type 2 diabetes and is on medication, metfomin and glucotrol. I have developed ED as a complication and have tried viagra but seems not to be working. I would want to know an alternative effective medicine even herbals.